Refrigeration and/or freezer device comprising a vacuum insulation body with a thermo-electric element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of thermoelectric elements, such as Peltier elements, with vacuum insulation in refrigerators and heat-insulated containers is challenging due to the direct generation of cold and heat, leading to reduced insulation performance and complex structures, as well as the need for large openings that compromise insulation.
Innovation Solution
Placing the thermoelectric element within the vacuum insulation area, using heat-conducting bodies with high thermal conductivity to ensure effective thermal contact and minimizing external influences, and employing a high-barrier film for vacuum tightness, which eliminates the need for additional sealing and reduces thermal losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large opening is provided in the vacuum insulation to allow thermoelectric element operation, then the thermoelectric element can be integrated with the vacuum insulation, but the insulation performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar integration approach to a three-dimensional configuration where the thermoelectric element is positioned within the vacuum chamber. The hot and cold sides of the element are coupled to heat conductors that extend to opposite walls of the vacuum insulation, utilizing the third dimension (depth into the vacuum chamber) to achieve effective thermal coupling without compromising the vacuum seal or insulation performance.
2Device complexity
If the thermoelectric element is placed outside the vacuum insulation, then the insulation structure remains simple, but the thermal coupling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the thermoelectric element is positioned inside the vacuum insulation chamber. The element is thermally coupled to the inner and outer walls through heat conductors, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes thermal efficiency while maintaining the integrity of the vacuum insulation structure.
3Reliability
If the thermoelectric element is placed inside the vacuum insulation, then the thermal coupling efficiency is improved, but the vacuum insulation structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces heat conductors as intermediary components that bridge the thermoelectric element and the vacuum insulation walls. These conductors serve as thermal mediators, enabling efficient heat transfer from the element to the interior space and to the exterior environment, while allowing the vacuum insulation structure to remain relatively simple and intact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances insulation performance, provides a space-saving arrangement, and protects the thermoelectric element from external influences, allowing for efficient cooling or heating with reduced overall losses and increased resource efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoelectric elements, in particular Peltier elements, are elements that can generate a temperature gradient using electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum insulation body is placed in the area between the outer shell of the device and the inner container to be cooled in order to achieve sufficiently high thermal insulation between the outside and inside of the device to be insulated using the principle of vacuum thermal insulation
Implementation Method 3
heat-conducting bodies with high thermal conductivity to ensure effective thermal contact
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum damping element (1) with a casing (2) which defines a vacuum region. A thermoelectric element (3), in particular a Peltier element (3), is arranged within the vacuum region in order to generate a temperature difference between two regions (5) provided on the outside of the casing (2).